Lam Tang's 23rd Anniversary and Birthday celebration is set to take place Saturday, October 18th. There will be demonstrations of open hand forms, weopons forms, and brick breaking using the Iron Palm technique. Stay tuned for location and time.

Si Hing Rob

We learn many fighting movements put to a pattern via a form. These remain to be only movement until we begin to understand the usages of them. There are 2 main ways that I know of to obtain that understanding. One is to be taught the concept or idea of the movement and the other is to be taught specific techiques for each particular move. I prefer to learn the concept of the movement then apply it to several different situations. This of course can have its draw backs, because it can lead away from the repitition that is important to learning. However it can give you several options if applied correctly.

On August 23, 2008, Grand Master Wing Lam held a huge celebration. Not only was it his 60th birthday, he also held a bai see ceremony for 19 disciples. You can see the full list on the forum of his site. (Follow our link to MA Supplies.) I am so proud to announce that our own Sifu, Saleem Alamudeen, was one of those chosen to become a disciple of Grand Master Wing Lam. We hold Sifu Lam with the highest regard as a teacher and a friend. You can view a photo of Sifu Saleem posing with Grand Master Wing Lam in the gallery.

Simo Mardi

I pose a question to find your view on the mindset that exists today.

1. Is a true fighter one who defeats all of his opponents?
2. Or, is a true fighter one who shows no fear in the face of combat?
3. Is a true fighter one who attains a certain level or descends form a certain lineage?

I have my viewpoints, and am willing to share them, but first I would like to hear yours.

Sifu

Hey everyone! How has the past year been treating you all?
I recently made it back into SC. Finally finished up my tech training out in Texas. Got my NREMT-Basic certification and did some initial nursing. Followed up with about 240 hours of clinical work in Mississippi.

So now I'm in Charleston at the air base. I have more clinical work at the VA hospital here. Then in July I will be going for 1 month to San Antonio for flight school followed by about 3 weeks in Washington for Survival/P.O.W. school. Afterwards I will again be returning to SC.

So how is the kwoon? How is training?

The many obstacles that a martial artist comes in contact with are too numerous to list. They fall into categories of personal relationships (which we know to be a powerful force to reckon with), and also financial obligations and commitments. There is yet another obstacle, that is one of the most difficult, and that deals with self mastery. This is a challenge that a martial artist dedicates himself to early in his development. The first thing that must be understood is that we must develop the ability to make sound decisions based on our committed goals and desires. Our decisions should be supported by our choices and should of course, reflect those persons who are impacted by our decisions.

What do you, as students of Lam Tang, want to learn in future workshops? ...Something new, or a repeat?

- Or, why my Si Hings are the best si hings on the planet.

Tonight was my first experience "sparring," as it were. I didn't quite know what to expect, so naturally, I was a bit nervous. So, I'd like to thank my si hings for their patience and advice. They took it easy on me this first time, which was really cool of them.

And... I learned some things. (1.) cardio. (2.) keeping the fight a close-in fight removes a lot of kicking potential from my opponent. (3.) I need to work on a lot.

My main question and area of difficulty is dealing with taller chaps, since their straight punch is perfectly level with my skull - how to deal with this. (i.e. I run into the strikes with my forehead) If I attempt to keep the battle inside and close, then it leaves me vulnerable for these direct hits. It seems like my left arm has to always be thrown over my head to deal with these sorts of strikes. Ideas?

What do guys think are some effective ways to build striking power, one of course is strength training; qi gong, push ups, weights, stance (leg training for kicks and punches because Hung Ga strikes with the whole body). I know there is of course internal energy, but I beleive that takes a longer time to achieve, so lets stay external. I also know in Hung Ga we talk of taking what I call "superior angles" over the opponent when striking to generate max power, easier said than done though. Also there is linking and connecting to generate power. Any thoughts?

Lil D

I am interested to hear experiences with injuries and healing. I have read that Chi flow can facilitate as well as accelrate healing. As many of you know and for those that don't, I recently sustained an injury thus my question. Are there any specific techniques used for just healing? Any area specific, i.e. upper body, lower, etc.?